Veterans mental health service
Our veterans service supports veterans who are concerned about their mental health. The service provides a first point of contact for people aged 18 and over and is available to anyone who has completed one day’s service or more with the British Armed Forces. We also see anyone in the Merchant Navy working in support of military operations.
Accessing our service
For veterans accessing the services, they must:
- be a resident in England
- have served in the UK armed forces for a full day
- be registered with a GP practice in Devon (excluding Plymouth) or be willing to register with a GP
- be able to provide their military service number or another form of acceptable proof of eligibility
People meeting the criteria can self-refer or request referral via a health care professional or service charity. Our contact details are:
How we can help
We offer assessments, consultation advice, signposting and referral to the most appropriate service to meet your needs.
While we do not provide a care coordination role, we can remain with veterans until their care and treatment plan is established. We will work with assessors and care coordinators to ensure you receive appropriate care and support.
Meet the team
Our team comprises senior mental health practitioners, assistant practitioners and support from our administration team, Monday to Friday.
Useful links
- The Warrior Programme
- Combat Stress
- Help for Heroes
- Surf Action
- Turn 2 us
- Royal British Legion
- RBLi
- Samaritans app
- Headfit - wellbeing for veterans
- Project Nova – Supporting veterans who have been arrested or are at risk of arrest
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Support for veterans who have been in hospital: Defence Medical Welfare Service: Leanne Horne, Welfare Officer, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
- Ensuring that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Training relevant staff on veteran specific culture or needs;
- Making veterans, reservists and service families aware of appropriate charities or NHS services beneficial to them, such as mental health services or support with financial and/or benefit claims;
- Supporting the armed forces as an employer.